Functionalized implants represent an advanced approaching in implantology, aiming to improve the
biointegration and the long-term success of surgical procedures.Wereport on the synthesis of hydroxyapatite
(HA) thin films on polymethylmetacrylate (PMMA) substrates – used as cranio-spinal implant-type
structures – by two alternative methods: pulsed laser deposition (PLD) and radio-frequency magnetron
sputtering (MS). The deposition parameters were optimized in order to avoid the substrate overheating.
Stoichiometric HA structures were obtained by PLD with incident laser fluences of 1.4–2.75 J/cm2, pressures
of 30–46.66 Pa and 10 Hz pulses repetition rate. The MS depositions were performed at constant
pressure of 0.3 Pa in inert and reactive atmospheres. SEM-EDS, XRD, FTIR and pull-out measurements
were performed assessing the apatitic-type structure of the prepared films along with their satisfactory
mechanical adhesion. Cell viability, proliferation and adhesion tests in osteosarcoma SaOs2 cell cultures
were performed to validate the bioactive behaviour of the structures and to select the most favourable
deposition regimes. For PLD, this requires a low fluence of 1.4 J/cm2, reduced pressure of water vapours
and a 100 ◦C/4 h thermal treatment. For MS, the best results were obtained for 80% Ar + 20% O2 reactive
atmosphere at low RF power (∼75 W). Cells grown on these coatings exhibit behaviour similar to those
grown on the standard borosilicate glass control: increased viability, good proliferation, and optimal cell
adhesion. In vitro tests proved that HA/PMMA neurosurgical structures prepared by PLD and MS are
compatible for the interaction with human bone cells.